"M.E. and work" (40-page booklet by Action for ME)

[Dolphin]

(I haven't read myself so far)
https://www.actionforme.org.uk/uploads/me-and-work.pdf

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This resource aims to offer key information and signposting for people with M.E. who are in work, considering work in the future or actively seeking work now. We know that, for others, working or training is sadly not an option. Action for M.E. continues to support these individuals through our other support services.

 

[TiredSam]

Blimey, I'm supposed to be increasing my limits by 10%. Must give it a try sometime.

Some areas have specialist NHS clinics which offer fatigue management.
Strategies that may be used include activity/energy management (pacing),
graded activity/exercise therapy (GAT/GET) and cognitive behaviour therapy
(CBT). These therapies should be supervised by practitioners trained in
CFS/M.E.

Pacing
Learning to successfully manage activity and rest is often referred to as pacing.
Pacing is an energy management technique which involves:
• taking short, regular rest periods throughout the day
• identifying activities which use energy (physical, mental or emotional)
• establishing a sustainable baseline for each activity
• once the baseline is established, increasing that activity by no more than
10%, until a new sustainable baseline is achieved.

NHS Plus occupational health guidelines say that in developing a return to work
plan, the following should be considered:
• building up work, or work related skills, at home at first
• starting with shortened hours and gradually building them up
• starting with a reduced workload and gradually increasing it
• ensuring that regular breaks are taken
• ensuring that the individual has a regular review with an occupational health
professional.

Planning and goal setting
Planning your time is essential. You need to prioritise activities and tasks to
include those that you have to do, but also those that you enjoy. Once you
have established a steady routine you can very gradually, in small steps, build
up your activity. This process should take weeks rather than days and you need
to approach a goal step by step. It’s important to develop awareness of how
your body is coping, to sense if you are pushing yourself too hard, or if you
have become wary of moving forward.

To find out more about pacing and how to put it into practice, we strongly
advise you to download a copy of our booklet Pacing: a guide for people with
M.E. free from www.actionforme.org.uk or order a copy for a small charge on
0845 123 2380.

 

[Old Bones]

Blimey, I'm supposed to be increasing my limits by 10%. Must give it a try sometime.

Looks like similar content to that described here, except the wording is focused towards the patient, as opposed to "professionals" (?):

http://forums.phoenixrising.me/inde...-toolkit-for-professionals.47541/#post-777893